Having chosen to do what is known as skilled migration, my husband and I enlisted an immigration agent to submit our visa application. In enlisting the help of an agent only to advise us and submit our application for a visa, we did a very independent move. The process cost 5000$AU and took two years and once we got here the real work of finding a job started.

For many, like yourselves, two years can be a long wait particularly as you don't know if your application is going to be successful or not. The alternative is a job sponsorship visa. This is by far the quickest way as the process can take as little as 4 weeks and having a job to come to solves all the waiting and job-hunting stress.

Whilst based in Switzerland we tried to get directly sponsored by an information technology company, (my husband's profession), but in our experience they weren't in themselves very forthcoming. Since living here we have found that most companies outsource their overseas recruitment.

There is a skills shortage here, particularly, but by no means only, in the medical profession and trades. Listed on the official Migration Occupations in Demand are, to give a sample, Anaesthetists, Civil Engineers, Dentists, Hospital Pharmacists, OT, Bricklayers, Plumbers, Welders, Plasterers ......the list goes on. (for a copy contact details are given below).

With trades there is a shortage of apprentices and few home-trained skilled workers growing up in the trade profession, due to the way the training is organized. So if you are exceptionally skilled but 45 or over this is a good visa option. You could come and train tradespeople. There may be some options available to you under the Employer Nomination Scheme. What happens here is that with the help of a specialist migration company (www.aussiemigrant.com email: rebecca@aussiemigrant.com ) you are matched up with an employer who is seeking to recruit someone with your type of skills (trade). The employer may well be able to sponsor you to migrate.